Dog RE-training...

Well, my cockapoo Chopper is 4 years old and probably the best dog I could ever have. I have to admit I've kinda spoiled him...lol...and he's been sleeping in my bed for about 3 years now. In my defense, he's such an awesome and lovable dog that its hard not to spoil him. In fact, I've enjoyed loving him as much as possible ever since I laid eyes on him.

Anyway, my dear husband is ready for us to have our bed back and I promised him I would try to get Chopper out of our bed and into his own.

I bought a new bed for Chopper this week. Its so plush and comfy but it became clear

really quickly that the comfort of the bed was NOT gonna be enough to win him over.

Night #1 was a nightmare for Chopper & I. I spent half the night waking up to direct him back into his new bed. He would snuggle up and sleep there for short periods of time and then jump right back into bed with me. Sigh... He did not understand why he couldn't go "nite-nite" with me like he has for years now. I didn't get much sleep but I know we'll have to be consistent for this to work.

Night #2...I wasn't willing to fight the good fight. I was exhausted from night #1 and working all day and couldn't do it again the very next night. I put him in his bed and rewarded him with a treat for staying there but sometime during the night, he made his way into bed with me and that was fine with my unconscious, exhausted mind and body.

I'm not sure how tonight will go but I'll give it the old college try again and keep it up until he willingly goes to his bed on his own. It'll be a kind of long process for me because I don't want to force it and I don't want to rush him. He's smart and he's a happy dog....he'll get there.